Issue 131
August 2015
Michael Bisping tips Luke Rockhold for UFC 185lb gold, and ‘The Count’s road to a planned rematch for the title starts with a statement win on familiar soil.
Q. Were you happy with the UFC’s decision to hand Luke Rockhold the next shot at the middleweight title?
A. “Luke Rockhold’s performances over Lyoto Machida and me justify his shot at the belt... Don’t get me wrong, I still think the critical thing when we fought was that clash of heads in the first round, but his performance over Machida and his recent form makes me think he not only deserves his shot, but I’d actually wager he wins that fight and wins the title.
“Nobody has ever done what he did to Machida. But I maintain I was fighting with a severe handicap in our fight after the head clash in the first round. I couldn’t see and every time I blinked my eye was just filling with blood. I was looking at him through a film of red.
“I know that sounds like an excuse, but it was the reality of the situation. I certainly did a damn sight better than Machida, put it that way. So I see Rockhold ultimately beating (Chris) Weidman and so after I’ve beaten Thales, and I get one more in before the end of the year, I predict my rematch with Rockhold will be for the belt early next year.”
Q. How far away from a title shot are you?
A. “I’ve beaten CB Dollaway and I plan on doing a number on Thales Leites next. After five years away from the UK you’d better believe I don’t plan on allowing some Brazilian to beat me in front of my home supporters; that won’t happen. So I’ll beat him, then get another win in the autumn and, hopefully, three wins in a row from a guy who’s been in the top 10 for some time, that will unlock a title shot for me.”
There were some doubts about your future before your fight with Dollaway. Do you think you proved a point?
“I believe so. I know he dropped me in the first round but I wasn’t hurt. I must have been off balance or something. But I won the fight clearly. I wanted the stoppage and I saw in his eyes he was wobbled and there for the taking once or twice, but he’s a top 10 guy and he saw it through.
“I was aware some members of the media thought he was the fresher fighter and were questioning my legitimacy, so it was good to handily beat the guy.
It showed everyone I’m still here, still training hard, still evolving as a fighter and I can still compete with the best in the world. Dollaway is a very big 185lb’er, one of the best wrestlers in the division and his striking was better and more effective than I gave him credit for too. So yeah, it was a good performance and important win.”
Q. How did you react when Gegard Mousasi called you out? Was a fight with him ever on the cards?
A. “I know a lot of fans were expecting that fight for Scotland, and it would have been a good main event as he’s probably a bigger name, but this fight was already in the bag prior to Mousasi calling me out.
“Two days after the Dollaway victory, Dana White called and offered me this main event... I’ll take Mousasi out next.”
How excited are you to fight in the UK again?
“It’s been five years since I last fought in the UK which is far, far too long. As soon as I heard about the Glasgow card I wanted to be on it and was pressuring the UFC. I built my name with the pride of the UK behind me, and I’m very proud of that.
“Everyone’s been talking about the Irish and the Brazilian fans, so I plan on getting the British fans enthusiastic about the sport again. All this talk about the fighting Irish drives me crazy. What about the fighting English and the fighting Scottish? The British ruled the world at one point, never mind the rest.”
Q. Your fight in Glasgow will kick off your 10th year in the UFC. Are you surprised how far the sport and brand have come in that time?
A. “It’s incredible really, it really is. I remember when I first got involved in MMA, people thought I was crazy. Yet now it’s a completely legit sport in the USA and around the world. Of course there are still one or two places, including the UK, where it still has some way to go to be truly recognized for what it is, but it’s moving along incredibly and has certainly progressed from where it was when I started out. It’s been an incredible journey. And as battle-worn as I am at 36 years old, to still be a part of it, is great. I’m still at the top of my game.”
Q. What’s the secret behind your longevity?
A. “I’m a working-class guy from a working-class town, and I’ve worked tirelessly for all my opportunities and that’s what’s kept me grounded, kept me humble. I know I can come across as a bit of a d**k at times but you have to learn how to be a bit of a promoter too.
“I’m an honest guy who wears his heart on his sleeve, and I’ve always been a hard worker and that’s got me to where I am. And it’s not over yet. I still want to be the first Brit to hold a UFC world title.”
Q. Do you believe Anderson Silva will ever fight again? If he does, will you push to be first to welcome him back?
A. “Of course, I always wanted to fight Anderson. Admittedly, the aura around him has declined somewhat, especially after his performance against Nick Diaz more so than Wiedman. But then also for failing a test for performance-enhancing drugs. That was the real kicker. Like everybody else, I was so disappointed when I heard about that.”
